Dec. 10, 2005

Chicago, Ill. - The UIC Athletic Department will host "Family Togetherness Day" December 31 at the UIC Pavilion in conjunction with a basketball doubleheader, it was announced today.

The New Year's Eve festivities will kickoff at 11:30 a.m. as the UIC women's basketball team will take on UW-Green Bay, followed by the Flames men's team hosting Youngstown State at 2 p.m.

On the concourse beginning at 11:30 a.m., Mark Miller's Munchkin Programs will provide interactive fun for the entire family, including clowns, magicians, face painters and Mark Miller's Munchkin Parent and Me Programs. A slam dunk contest for children also is scheduled.

"This is a great opportunity for families everywhere to enjoy some basketball and have some fun," said Jim Schmidt, UIC's athletic director. "The holidays are such a busy time. We hope this event can provide some solid family time as we help bring in the New Year."

A special Family Pack is available for $30, which includes up to five tickets to both basketball games and all of the concourse fun. A $40 package also is available for families needing up to eight tickets.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.munchkinprogram.com or call (847) 236-1571.